Movie Review: How to train your dragon 2..not the masterclass it ought to be

When I first saw the trailer of this sequel way back in July last year, I could clearly see that this movie would be a masterclass in animation quality and proof that ‘great’ could still become even better. After having seen it, I can confirm it as well. Perhaps the fact that I saw this gorgeous looking adventure in IMAX had something to do with it, but the animation quality of the sequel is superlative and makes for an adrenalin pumping, sky soaring adventure

While animation is usually top notch in most such movies, there are two other departments where animation movies hit the mark more often than not – a coherent and consistent plot with good pacing and great doses of humor every now and then. While every bit the master class in animation quality, surprisingly this new adventure with Toothless and his dragon rider lacks firepower in both these areas.

To be fair, the story is ambitious and the content covers enough material to be spread across more than one sequel. It starts off with a bang and you almost feel as if you are flying atop Toothless yourself in a couple of scenes. However it soon slows down to a practical halt and while it makes the mood poignant and emotional, the timing of it seems all wrong and dulls the initial thrill

Unfortunately, this fits and starts approach continues through the length of the movie and while it is brilliant in parts, it makes you weary in others. Part of the blame for that weariness also goes to the distinct lack of humor that this grandiose scaled adventure offers. When they are repeating jokes, you know they don’t have much to offer. Still by the time you’ll emerge from the hall – you won’t feel as if you didn’t have fun. Just don’t expect to be moved and thrilled like say, the Kung Fu Panda sequel would’ve made you feel.

Instead, prepare to take in the gorgeous sights and sounds. The cloudy skies, rippled waters, giant icicles, even the enormous beard of Stoic, all look enhanced in their quality and presentation. The voice acting is good and boasts known names like Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett, though no character really stands out. However, Toothless looks adorable as ever (never thought I’d call a dragon ‘adorable’..) and towards the climax, shows just why he is the heart and soul of the movie

The way it started, this sequel promised  a high quality lesson in how to take a story forward. While it flounders during its course, it is still every bit a pretty, fun, adventure. If you loved Toothless the first time around, you certainly aren’t going to feel disappointed with his second showing – just don’t go expecting an all-round masterclass